The Michigan House of Representatives voted to call for a constitutional convention that could reshape federal spending, limit congressional terms, and redefine the balance of power between Washington and the states.
The resolution passed on June 2 and now heads to the Michigan Senate, where it faces an uncertain path. For Battle Creek and the rest of Michigan, the vote signals a growing push from state lawmakers to challenge federal authority.
A House Resolution With National Ambitions
Michigan House Concurrent Resolution No. 7 calls on Congress to convene an Article V convention of the states. The convention would propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Luke Meerman, a Republican from Coopersville. It was co-sponsored by one Republican and one Democrat. The measure was introduced April 16 and passed the House on June 2.
According to the resolution, the federal government has "ceased to live under a proper interpretation of the U.S. Constitution" and that "improper and imprudent spending has created a crushing national debt." The text also accuses the federal government of invading "the legitimate role of the states through the manipulative process of federal mandates, including unfunded mandates."
A Parallel Senate Push on Campaign Spending
The House vote comes alongside a separate effort in the Michigan Senate. Senate Resolution 125, introduced by Sen. Ed McBroom, a Republican from Waucedah Township, calls for a constitutional convention focused on limiting how spending influences elections.
The Senate resolution states that over the past five decades, the U.S. Supreme Court has "gradually come to equate unlimited election spending with free speech." According to the text, this unlimited spending is "drowning out the free speech interests of constituents, narrowing debate, weakening federalism and self-governance in the states and increasing the risk of systemic corruption."
The measure is sponsored by two Republicans and two Democrats.
What an Article V Convention Would Mean
An Article V convention is a rarely used mechanism in the U.S. Constitution. Under Article V, two-thirds of state legislatures can call for a convention to propose constitutional amendments. If such a convention convenes, any proposed amendments would still need ratification by three-fourths of the states to become law.
No Article V convention has ever been held in American history. The closest the country has come was in the 1970s, when 34 states applied for a convention on a balanced budget amendment. The effort fell one state short of the two-thirds threshold.
Critics of Article V conventions warn that such a gathering could become a "runaway convention" with the power to propose amendments far beyond the original intent. Supporters argue the process is a legitimate check on federal overreach and a way for states to reclaim constitutional authority.
What Happens Next for Michigan
The House resolution has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations. The Senate resolution is also pending committee review.
For the resolutions to take effect, both chambers of the Michigan Legislature must pass them. Even then, Michigan's action alone would not trigger a convention. The U.S. Constitution requires applications from two-thirds of state legislatures, or 34 out of 50 states, before Congress is obligated to call a convention.
Rep. Meerman's resolution and Sen. McBroom's measure represent Michigan's formal application toward that threshold. Whether other states follow Michigan's lead remains to be seen.
For Battle Creek residents and Michiganders statewide, the debate raises a fundamental question about the role of state government in checking federal power. The answer will depend on what happens in Lansing and in state legislatures across the country.